re/aligned app
Aug. 15th, 2012 04:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
distortedscreamPlayer Information
*Name/Alias: greedyslayer/fannishcodex
*Your Journal: greedyslayer
*Age: over 16
*Contact Information: privatewing@gmail.com
*Characters already in the game: Korra/not_halfbaked
Character Information
*Character Name: Starscream)
*Character Canon: Transformers Prime -- Original AU (specifically Mirrorverse version of TFP!Starscream)
*Age: Cybertronian equivalent to middle-aged human. But still considered fairly young by Cybertronian standards, though old enough to have real rank and assume command. [but Cybertronian ages can really confuse me at times ^^;]
*Race: Cybertronian
*Timeline/Pull Point: from Mirroverse AU of mid-season one, some time after Airachnid arrives on Earth and essentially joins the Nemesis crew, but before Unicron begins to stir
*History: (also includes some history on this Starscream's mirrorverse dimension) Cybertronian 'birth' or the equivalent to it was even monitored by the Council and the caste system. There is something of a quota system, with Cybertronians required to contribute one or a certain number of new, productive Cybertronians to the planet's population. Either a procreation partner is assigned, or something of a free choice is permitted. When summoned, physically mature Cybertronians must go to one of the stations tapping into the planet's Allspark, the catalyst for new Cybertronian life and what creates each individual Cybertronian's spark. The equivalent to Cybertronian DNA is extracted, and this is where less control is maintained. Once the Allspark acts as a catalyst, it starts a certain randomization when pulling material from the planet to construct the new Cybertronian, who may or may not inherit frame type and caste type from its Cybertronian procreators. Another type of randomization in this 'birthing' process are twin sparks or trine sparks or more, suddenly getting more than one new Cybertronian from an individual set of procreation partners. Even with their current technology and despite all attempts, the generation of twin or trine or more simultaneous sparks could not be predicted. What more control can be exercised over this process is simply building the incubation tube to contain said process. Once the process is done and the new Cybertronian effectively 'born,' either their biological procreators are allowed to be its guardian, or the 'infant' Cybertronian is assigned to another mature Cybertronian; the caste of this new Cybertronian is a factor in deciding who its guardian will be.
This Starscream was pretty much born to the lower castes, but even that's rather complicated. Birthplace and long-time home was the Crystal Sector, which is where the complication starts. Crystal Sector was once better off, and with a ruling lineage, but after getting on the wrong side of the Council, Crystal Sector and its ruling lineage fell. It was then mostly low class, deprived, crawling with crime, everyone essentially out for themselves and throwing their lots in with competing crimelords when trying to get ahead. The ruling lineage still existed, but in name and record only. Crystal Sector's current ruling lineage's descendants were born just as poor as the rest and fighting on relatively equal ground with the rest for control. Starscream was born to this formerly in-control ruling lineage, the youngest of his trine--his trinemates being Thundercracker and Skywarp. While their guardian and biological procreator moved to get back on top as her ancestors had been, she placed Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp in the role of stealing whatever the highest bidder wanted. (The trine's other procreator died while they were being constructed in their incubation tube.) Assuming she and her trine progeny were successful, Thundercracker, Skywarp and Starscream would all be next in line and expected to rule cooperatively together.
Despite their low class, poverty, and not really being in charge but rather struggling to regain that control, Starscream and his trine were trained as much as possible to lead, and lead in concert with each other. Starscream went along with such preparations, but it was science that really caught his interest. If he could pick his caste, he would not go with his currently disgraced ruling lineage, but the scientist caste. He taught himself scientific practice, doing his own experiments and tinkering with machines and studying when he can, and from what contraband materials he could gather in his unstable home. Knowing that, Starscream was sent to case some research labs at another high class sector, even acting undercover if need be. Pretty much the only reason it was Starscream sent out to steal from the labs, as he wasn't as stealthy as Thundercracker or Skywarp (Thundercracker and Skywarp had some scientific interest, but as intense as Starscream's). There, Starscream crossed paths with Jetfire, and despite everything they end up bonding. It was in Jetfire's nature to be a bit relaxed like that; he responded to Starscream's genuine passion for science; and he recognized that Starscream was sort of reluctant and not that much of a brutish thief. After making friends with Jetfire, Starscream was pulled away, even though he was empty-handed--fighting had gotten more intense back at Crystal Sector, inflamed by Megatronus and Orion Pax's talk of breaking down the caste system and true equality. Starscream's guardian and trine came out on top, their lineage finally in control after generations going without such mastery.
Crystal Sector was being cleaned up. Orion Pax had been made Optimus Prime, Megatron as his Lord Protector and Second-in-Command, and were similarly cleaning up Cybertron. Starscream began formal training in science with Jetfire. Everything seemed to be looking up. Then horrible rumors started of Prime's connection to Cybertronians that had gone missing, the experiments, his betrayal and execution of his comrade-friend and Lord Protector Megatron...and then the Prime turned harsher. Megatron resurfaced. The Autobot-Decepticon split began. Crystal Sector was one of those declaring themselves Unaligned/Neutral. This was unacceptable to Optimus Prime. He proceeded to make an example of the Crystal Sector, ordering a siege against them. Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp joined Energon Seeker squadrons to find more resources when the siege began to deplete their home's reserves. Their squadron was ambushed and captured, only their squad leader killed. They were taken to the Omicron space station for the Protoform X Project--experiments in spark **indestructibility via infusions of Dark Energon and Synthetic Energon and other techniques, chiefly done by Ratchet and Elita-One.
Initially when Starscream survived the (agonizing) experimental procedure, proved by the fact that he survived lethal damage inflicted on his spark, he was thought to be mostly a success. He didn't have a quick healing factor along with the indestructible spark as was part of the original objective, but the indestructible spark had been more of a priority for the research project. Starscream's trine was naturally selected to undergo the procedure next, thinking they too would respond just as well as their youngest trinemate. But Thundercracker and Skywarp died. Starscream's whole squad died after being experimented on. Ratchet, Elita and the other scientists came to realize that Starscream's spark was naturally mutated, apparently for genetically inclined for indestructibility--difficult to confirm now after doing the procedure on him and infusing his spark with Dark Energon, hard to determine if Starscream's spark was indestructible to begin with, or his mutation combined with the Dark Energon procedure acted as a catalyst for the indestructibility. Ratchet and Elita found uses for the bodies of Starscream's trine and squadron--experimenting in Dark Energon reviving non-sentient, undying creatures of great violence. Experiments of their behavior and combat possibilities were undertaken when pitting them against Starscream and drones under controlled circumstances (also testing Starscream's indestructible spark in combat). When Ratchet and Elita were away to more pressing battles in the growing war, something went wrong at the Omicron Labs. The facility was locked in, the occupants trapped. The reanimated Dark Energon-infused Seekers took over the space station, slaughtering the other scientists, personnel and guards. Then it was only Starscream and the crazed reanimated Seekers left behind at the Omicron Labs.
Eventually Megatron himself crash landed at the station, stranded and seeking to repair his ship and escape. Megatron and Starscream teamed up and escaped, but ended up freeing the reanimated Seekers in the process. Starscream learned the Crystal Sector had been razed to the ground, his guardian and everyone else he knew most likely dead. Fueled only by sheer rage, Starscream made an ill-fated attempt on Optimus Prime's life for ordering the siege on his home in the first place. Prime handily beat him, and only the combined efforts of Soundwave, Breakdown and Knock Out saved Starscream from being thrown back to Ratchet and Elita. After all of this, Starscream was rather unhinged. It didn't help that the Dark Energon infusions gave him visions and the sounds of Unicron, which included images of a planet exploding. It simply made him seem delusional to everyone else, the visions never taken seriously. Given that Megatron was the first in a while to be anything approaching kind to him and helped him escape, Starsscream became fiercely loyal to the Decepticon leader. Megatron had Knock Out figure out a way to drain the extra Dark Energon out of Starscream, which was successful, if a painful process for Starscream to endure. Starscream wanted his spark's indestructibility removed, as immortality did not seem all that appealing to him in the long run. It became a hope; Megatron told Starscream it was possible, and when Starscream could stand it, Decepticon scientists had tried to figure out ways to remove Starscream's indestructibility. But Starscream steadily grew to gave up hope that his spark would ever be mortal, while Megatron persisted to believe it could happen.
The Decepticons worked to weaponize the Dark Energon draining process, to deal with the crazed reanimated Seekers/Terrorcons that had been released from the Omicron labs during Megatron and Starscream's escape. Starscream himself ended up draining his reanimated trine of their Dark Energon, effectively terminating them, 'killing' them a second time. Starscream's stability took another blow after that. The Terrorcons were gradually taken down during the war. Eventually Starscream mostly recovered, despite a set-back to his morale when Cliffjumper killed Jetfire during the war. Eventually Megatron made him Second-in-Command and convinced him to accept the role. And eventually the Exodus from Cybertron happened, and the Nemesis and Prime's crew ended up on Earth where they fought over Energon. And now the Decepticons tried to keep Earth's people from being completely dragged into their war. On Earth, Starscream finally avenged Jetfire by killing Cliffjumper. See here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starscream#Beast_Wars for full reference to the inspiration for the mutated and indestructible spark. Also http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Starscream_(Prime) for any other ref.
**Mortal spark: Can be killed, or die of old age. Spark equivalent to a human's heart. The spark can be physically harmed, and is one of if not the most fragile and critical part of Cybertronian anatomy. If the spark suffers enough physical trauma, it will flicker out and die.
Indestructible spark: Can withstand any physical trauma without dying. This does not mean the Cybertronian body it powers is granted a heightened healing factor. And if the mental processor or mind is taken out, if its connection to the indestructible spark is severed, it can still go on, but it can no longer control the body.
*Personality:
Similarities to the other Starscream:
This Starscream is a still a volatile personality.
He can switch from civility (though mostly genuine rather than falsified) to unbridled rage, to frantic panic, to stinging sarcasm, to an almost paralyzing fear, to ruthless action, to cunning manipulation, to rash impulsiveness, to determined fervor, to loud rebellion against authority, to reluctant or persuaded obedience, to snapping out his own orders all within his own nature, rarely sticking to any one emotional range for very long. He is still just rather emotional, finding it difficult to keep his composure all the time, though it's not completely out of his reach.
He's not entirely above manipulation or ruthless action. He can still act rashly and follow impulsive action. A crippling fear can still mess with his decision-making skills and general composure. His biting remarks and sarcasm are still present. He's still prone to violent rages. He still has a volatile temper. He still defies authority and questions it. He still has a connection with science. He still has a inclination toward avoiding serious conflict to an extent, in favor of talking his way out of a crisis. He still harbors, at the very least, that apparent preference for flight, rather than ground modes. He is still very talkative.
Differences from the other Starscream:
His motives and deepest nature provide a stark contrast. Starscream has a moral core and compassionate streak. Such traits were nurtured with the close bond he had with his trine and the relatively close relationship to his procreator; they were family, and supported each other, and Starscream's sensitivity and fond, protective regard to his family was able to expand to others in a general compassion for life. Such traits endured despite the experimentation and trauma he experienced; they were salvaged after Megatron rescued him and provided him with medical care, giving Starscream the first scrap of any sort of kindness he'd received in a long time, and encouraged him to retain his own--if only because it inspired great loyalty to Megatron, who bore his own particular moral code. Besides that, the experimentation and trauma also changed him, amplifying and lessening certain aspects of his character. Such as making him even more sensitive to the pain of others and actually increasing his compassion; though that same trauma also helped make him more ruthless to those he regards as particularly vile enemies, and more ruthless in safeguarding those he cares for/considers under his protection (i.e. he does not wish to lose/fail someone like he did with his trine). And that same trauma did contribute to his sense of fear and apprehension.
Fear more often makes him take action, since the thought of what will happen if he doesn't act frightens him more. But ultimately that fear and desire to talk his way out of conflict is pretty much pacifistic, rather than fear for his own safety--he'd rather talk his way out of a fight, distract, evade, or compromise and negotiate with an enemy, practically anything but actually cause someone physical harm, let alone kill them. It's more a fear of causing pain and death that freaks him out, rather than harm to his own person per se. That inclination was only amplified during the experiments, where it got to the point that hearing the pain and death of others was more distressing to Starscream than pain to his own person, which was something he actually grew more accustomed to. But that pacifism is a deep-seated desire overridden bythe trauma of experimentation and the fact that he's been surviving a war, and he can and will cause harm in defense of others and himself when necessary. It's even more overridden with certain individuals he does thirst for revenge against (i.e. his world's Ratchet, Optimus Prime, etc.). And so his volatile temper and bouts of violent rage are more motivated by pure revenge against Autobots who've harmed those he cared for or himself, rather than pure malice in his character or attempts to assert himself and gain power. Though currently he now struggles with the idea of taking revenge after successfully doing it with Cliffjumper, because Starscream feels worse. He didn't expect to feel better, but feeling worse is an unwelcome surprise. Revenge against Cliffjumper had a lot to do with Starscream's loyalty and affection for his friend, Jetfire, whom Cliffjumper had killed before his optics. Starscream can be loyal unlike his other counterpart, and that loyalty can be a fierce and strong thing when given to people--but given the revenge he took in the name of someone he'd both given loyalty to and was unable to protect, even that loyalty can be twisted. Starscream's ruthless streak crops up more when in the middle of protecting those he's loyal to or whom he feels are under his protection, rather than during times when he wants to advance himself. To betray his loyalty and trust is to provoke his utter rage.
Starscream loves science. Nothing like exploration or new knowledge to brighten his day, though a good flight does the same, he loves flying. And he has a love for all sciences, the 'hard' ones and the 'soft' ones. He just generally loves learning new things, he's a very inquisitive creature. Starscream's pretty civil, friendly even, and can be helpful. He does have a sense of humor, even able to mock himself (though that can be self-deprecating). But that humor can mock others as well as himself. Again, quickest way to his good side is feeding his lust for new knowledge. He does have a deep sense of responsibility that can be triggered under the right circumstances, learning a more positive aspect of leadership than his counterpart. That tendency for responsibility has only been further honed while serving as Megatron's Second-In-Command. He knows his manners and employs them the most when trying to negotiate, but Starscream can be pretty volatile. The loyalty and all the revenge and ruthlessness connected to it speaks to him being pretty passionate, and those passions can get out of hand. He can be caustic and sarcastic and downright angry and lose his temper, even with his comrades. This volatile nature speaks to the fact that he is at the very least slightly unstable, or functionally dysfunctional. Starscream's been severely traumatized by the Protoform X experiments and the war that cost him his trinemates, guardian, home sector, Jetfire, a number of other friends and comrades and eventually his entire planet (though he knows much of that embodies his entire people, except for the experimentation). So he can lose his temper in spectacular ways, can act more conspicuously unhinged at times, will go without sleep to avoid nightmares which only messes even more with his head.
Starscream has less pride than his counterpart; he has some pride, in his flying skills at least. But he's rather more cognizant of his flaws, self-deprecating. He's cognizant of his self-loathing, too. Like his counterpart, he has a high level of determination to keep going, but he takes loss hard, perceiving that what was lost was his fault, i.e. the deaths of his trinemates, Jetfire, etc. But he's not about to really advertise his weaknesses to strangers per se (he'd only share them with close companions he could trust with spilling his metaphorical guts out to); he'd still try to cover them up, actually, not unlike how his counterpart tends to do. Besides the self-loathing, ultimate disregard for his own life stems from his indestructible spark--something like that messes with his head. For one, there's some depression over the thought that he'll probably outlive anyone he connects with, an almost eternal survivor's guilt ('probably' and 'almost' hinge on the possibility he can find others who are essentially immortal too, it's pretty certain that he'll won't die of old age and definitely not mortal attack). But also knowing his spark will survive the experience, his nature has grown more reckless (despite his Megatron ruthlessly training him not to rely so much on his indestructible spark). Starscream is very talkative and a motormouth, much of that stemming from his enthusiasm and eccentric, quirky social skills, but also anxiety. The more excited or panicked he is, Starscream tends to ramble on more. His social skills aren't perfect; they can be really good for negotiating at times, and then other times it's just rambling and awkwardness; sometimes he can be really observant, and other times he can be truly dense, the seriously absent-minded scientist. Ultimately he feels uncomfortable with leadership, but can do better than first perceived. Much of that discomfort stems from his trauma and guilt over his trinemates' death inspiring doubt in him and making him perhaps too cognizant of his flaws and weaknesses and general imperfection; even as a leader he could not save them, what could he really accomplish as one? Starscream failed in probably what he ended up wanting most, to protect his trine. If he couldn't do that, Starscream doubts he can lead successfully. Also, Starscream's training in his ruling lineage heritage was very specific--Starscream was trained to lead with his trine, in concert. To lead as three, not one. That training and instilled expectation further increases his doubt over his solo leadership skills. And it does even go to a spark level--trines are sparks generated simultaneously, it is just painful in every way imaginable to lose any trinemate, and the loss of that can still leave the survivor(s) very unbalanced. The responsibility of leadership is not his first choice, but loyalty to Megatron and the Decepticons spurred him to accept the Second-in-Command position (not unlike how loyalty to his procreator made him go along with leadership training rather than try rejecting it) . The only type of leadership he feels comfortable with is leading a flight squadron, because he trusts himself better in the air, if only because he still loves flying, and that joy relaxes him better and lessens doubt. It's just if everything were perfect, he'd be a scientist and exploring, not Second-in-Command in a war. And like his counterpart, Starscream just can't stop himself from speaking his mind--it's part of what landed him the job as Megatron's second. But then Starscream can be pretty defiant and reckless and impulsive with his leader or any authority figure, losing control at times. He is a very adaptable creature.
*Powers/Abilities:
Spark mutated to be indestructible, once affected by Dark Energon; now dampened to some extent after interdimensional travel, becoming a sturdier spark than most, but no longer indestructible, instead mortal.
Scientific ingenuity, skill and passion.
Really is a skilled flyer, especially in aerial combat.
Fair martial combat skills, but again not as good as his aerial combat prowess.
Speed makes up for lack of great physical force.
Leadership and negotiation skills. Strategist.
In bipedal form, his claws can sharpen; arms can transform into additional blasters; has pre-set rocket launchers on his arms that require no additional transformation after the shift from jet mode to bipedal mode. Accuracy in bipedal form is fair; accuracy in jet mode better.
*Inventory: nothing but himself
*Starting Polarity: not sure where to align for now (and it's all sorted by mods now, right?)
If AU, how does your character differ from canon?: This Starscream has his share of differences and similarities with his counterpart, and at first glance he can even be mistaken as pretty much the same. But there is a more open spark. He is kinder, more empathic, more responsible and caring. Likes to focus more on science. Generally the main differences include a kinder, more empathetic moral code and less ambition (if only because he's more uncertain and focuses more on his failings; though determination's the same). Though there are a few similarities, Starscream's history differs from canon too. Specifically his kidnapping vastly changes him. Under the weight of everything that happened at the Omicron labs, Starscream did break, his self-worth shattered and any ambition he had or could've had crippled by the varied amount of loss and torture he faced.
Writing Samples
*First Person Sample:
Attention fellow refugees. [sigh] I am well aware this is not the first 'missing persons' broadcast you've probably heard. [crosses his arms] I seek my leader, Lord Megatron. I need to know if he's here, injured or functioning, or...not. [pinches the area between his eyes--which snap open and his clawed hands fall back] I don't mean if he's dead! [His clawed hands flail around a bit.] I mean, it would be good, to know if he's...but only for closure's sake, but it's not like he could really--no, that very last part, I meant just if he's geographically here, not existentially.... [snarls, closes eyes, reopens them] Anyway, I seek my master. Lord Megatron is another Cybertronian, twice my height and width--probably more, not like I've ever exactly measured him--
[Starscream shakes himself, realizing he's rambling, tries to do it less and...doesn't exactly succeed....]
--anyway, he's very well built, and also a flyer model. His optics are a bold red, his helm like an Earthling gladiator's and much of his plating is sharp-edged. A cannon is mounted on his right arm, and his feet are cloven like an Earthling goat's...does everyone know what that is...or what an Earthling gladiator would look like...? [grumbles to himself, rolls his eyes] His feet end in two divided prongs. His helm closely frames his face. I believe his brow ridge is bigger than mine. [points to his brows] His voice is deep and gruff, if that helps. [inclines his head] Thank you for listening.
*Third Person Sample:
Starscream groaned, slowly opening his eyes. He stared up blankly at a sky that was strangely foreign and familiar at the same time. Then he bolted straight up, spark pounding.
"Megatron?" He called, twisting about, searching. "Soundwave? Knock Out? Breakdown? Airachnid? Anyone?"
The Seeker stood up, but in any direction around he found none of his comrades. He continued to scan his surroundings. The terrain was rocky, but no Jasper.
Anxiety growing, he transformed and flew off, already feeling slightly better with the rush of air and burst of speed. But his anxiety returned as he flew and still found no sign of his fellow Decepticons or real familiarity in the landscape. It was nothing like Earth or any other alien planets he'd been to, except maybe....
Starscream swore in his native tongue as he wildly swerved. Cybertron?! But that was impossible! He wasn't near any spacebridge when he lost consciousness, how could he have even...?
And the terrain still looked different. Where were the traces of civilization?
The Seeker tried his comm link. Didn't function at all. What the Pit was going on?
For a moment Starscream wondered if he was dreaming--but no, he was awake. He ran a self-diagnostic. Other than the disconcerting comm link glitch, he found no indication of foreign chemicals infecting his body, that could possibly cause delusion--something that would not be beyond Ratchet. (But stranding him on someplace like Cybertron did seem like something beyond even the mad Autobot scientist. So Ratchet was only left with the possibility of mind-altering chemicals. Fun.)
Finally, Starscream came across something that broke up the monotony of the terrain--a junkyard of nonsentient parts and probably a graveyard of formerly sentient parts. Starscream flew over the area first, trying to get an idea of its borders, how far it stretched. He circled over the junkyard once, twice, three times, before finally flying in low and transforming. Perhaps if he got a better look at ground level, he could find a better hint of where he was exactly.... And he needed to be at ground level to find any useful supplies.
On edge and ready for an ambush, either to fly away or attack with his blaster, Starscream searched the junkyard.
Final Notes: So it's mostly my Mirrorverse idea of TFP!Starscream, but some Beast Wars was mixed in with the mutated spark thing, and taking some inspiration from the canon SG!Starscream, and just trying to parallel/twist TFP canon.
*Name/Alias: greedyslayer/fannishcodex
*Your Journal: greedyslayer
*Age: over 16
*Contact Information: privatewing@gmail.com
*Characters already in the game: Korra/not_halfbaked
Character Information
*Character Name: Starscream)
*Character Canon: Transformers Prime -- Original AU (specifically Mirrorverse version of TFP!Starscream)
*Age: Cybertronian equivalent to middle-aged human. But still considered fairly young by Cybertronian standards, though old enough to have real rank and assume command. [but Cybertronian ages can really confuse me at times ^^;]
*Race: Cybertronian
*Timeline/Pull Point: from Mirroverse AU of mid-season one, some time after Airachnid arrives on Earth and essentially joins the Nemesis crew, but before Unicron begins to stir
*History: (also includes some history on this Starscream's mirrorverse dimension) Cybertronian 'birth' or the equivalent to it was even monitored by the Council and the caste system. There is something of a quota system, with Cybertronians required to contribute one or a certain number of new, productive Cybertronians to the planet's population. Either a procreation partner is assigned, or something of a free choice is permitted. When summoned, physically mature Cybertronians must go to one of the stations tapping into the planet's Allspark, the catalyst for new Cybertronian life and what creates each individual Cybertronian's spark. The equivalent to Cybertronian DNA is extracted, and this is where less control is maintained. Once the Allspark acts as a catalyst, it starts a certain randomization when pulling material from the planet to construct the new Cybertronian, who may or may not inherit frame type and caste type from its Cybertronian procreators. Another type of randomization in this 'birthing' process are twin sparks or trine sparks or more, suddenly getting more than one new Cybertronian from an individual set of procreation partners. Even with their current technology and despite all attempts, the generation of twin or trine or more simultaneous sparks could not be predicted. What more control can be exercised over this process is simply building the incubation tube to contain said process. Once the process is done and the new Cybertronian effectively 'born,' either their biological procreators are allowed to be its guardian, or the 'infant' Cybertronian is assigned to another mature Cybertronian; the caste of this new Cybertronian is a factor in deciding who its guardian will be.
This Starscream was pretty much born to the lower castes, but even that's rather complicated. Birthplace and long-time home was the Crystal Sector, which is where the complication starts. Crystal Sector was once better off, and with a ruling lineage, but after getting on the wrong side of the Council, Crystal Sector and its ruling lineage fell. It was then mostly low class, deprived, crawling with crime, everyone essentially out for themselves and throwing their lots in with competing crimelords when trying to get ahead. The ruling lineage still existed, but in name and record only. Crystal Sector's current ruling lineage's descendants were born just as poor as the rest and fighting on relatively equal ground with the rest for control. Starscream was born to this formerly in-control ruling lineage, the youngest of his trine--his trinemates being Thundercracker and Skywarp. While their guardian and biological procreator moved to get back on top as her ancestors had been, she placed Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp in the role of stealing whatever the highest bidder wanted. (The trine's other procreator died while they were being constructed in their incubation tube.) Assuming she and her trine progeny were successful, Thundercracker, Skywarp and Starscream would all be next in line and expected to rule cooperatively together.
Despite their low class, poverty, and not really being in charge but rather struggling to regain that control, Starscream and his trine were trained as much as possible to lead, and lead in concert with each other. Starscream went along with such preparations, but it was science that really caught his interest. If he could pick his caste, he would not go with his currently disgraced ruling lineage, but the scientist caste. He taught himself scientific practice, doing his own experiments and tinkering with machines and studying when he can, and from what contraband materials he could gather in his unstable home. Knowing that, Starscream was sent to case some research labs at another high class sector, even acting undercover if need be. Pretty much the only reason it was Starscream sent out to steal from the labs, as he wasn't as stealthy as Thundercracker or Skywarp (Thundercracker and Skywarp had some scientific interest, but as intense as Starscream's). There, Starscream crossed paths with Jetfire, and despite everything they end up bonding. It was in Jetfire's nature to be a bit relaxed like that; he responded to Starscream's genuine passion for science; and he recognized that Starscream was sort of reluctant and not that much of a brutish thief. After making friends with Jetfire, Starscream was pulled away, even though he was empty-handed--fighting had gotten more intense back at Crystal Sector, inflamed by Megatronus and Orion Pax's talk of breaking down the caste system and true equality. Starscream's guardian and trine came out on top, their lineage finally in control after generations going without such mastery.
Crystal Sector was being cleaned up. Orion Pax had been made Optimus Prime, Megatron as his Lord Protector and Second-in-Command, and were similarly cleaning up Cybertron. Starscream began formal training in science with Jetfire. Everything seemed to be looking up. Then horrible rumors started of Prime's connection to Cybertronians that had gone missing, the experiments, his betrayal and execution of his comrade-friend and Lord Protector Megatron...and then the Prime turned harsher. Megatron resurfaced. The Autobot-Decepticon split began. Crystal Sector was one of those declaring themselves Unaligned/Neutral. This was unacceptable to Optimus Prime. He proceeded to make an example of the Crystal Sector, ordering a siege against them. Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp joined Energon Seeker squadrons to find more resources when the siege began to deplete their home's reserves. Their squadron was ambushed and captured, only their squad leader killed. They were taken to the Omicron space station for the Protoform X Project--experiments in spark **indestructibility via infusions of Dark Energon and Synthetic Energon and other techniques, chiefly done by Ratchet and Elita-One.
Initially when Starscream survived the (agonizing) experimental procedure, proved by the fact that he survived lethal damage inflicted on his spark, he was thought to be mostly a success. He didn't have a quick healing factor along with the indestructible spark as was part of the original objective, but the indestructible spark had been more of a priority for the research project. Starscream's trine was naturally selected to undergo the procedure next, thinking they too would respond just as well as their youngest trinemate. But Thundercracker and Skywarp died. Starscream's whole squad died after being experimented on. Ratchet, Elita and the other scientists came to realize that Starscream's spark was naturally mutated, apparently for genetically inclined for indestructibility--difficult to confirm now after doing the procedure on him and infusing his spark with Dark Energon, hard to determine if Starscream's spark was indestructible to begin with, or his mutation combined with the Dark Energon procedure acted as a catalyst for the indestructibility. Ratchet and Elita found uses for the bodies of Starscream's trine and squadron--experimenting in Dark Energon reviving non-sentient, undying creatures of great violence. Experiments of their behavior and combat possibilities were undertaken when pitting them against Starscream and drones under controlled circumstances (also testing Starscream's indestructible spark in combat). When Ratchet and Elita were away to more pressing battles in the growing war, something went wrong at the Omicron Labs. The facility was locked in, the occupants trapped. The reanimated Dark Energon-infused Seekers took over the space station, slaughtering the other scientists, personnel and guards. Then it was only Starscream and the crazed reanimated Seekers left behind at the Omicron Labs.
Eventually Megatron himself crash landed at the station, stranded and seeking to repair his ship and escape. Megatron and Starscream teamed up and escaped, but ended up freeing the reanimated Seekers in the process. Starscream learned the Crystal Sector had been razed to the ground, his guardian and everyone else he knew most likely dead. Fueled only by sheer rage, Starscream made an ill-fated attempt on Optimus Prime's life for ordering the siege on his home in the first place. Prime handily beat him, and only the combined efforts of Soundwave, Breakdown and Knock Out saved Starscream from being thrown back to Ratchet and Elita. After all of this, Starscream was rather unhinged. It didn't help that the Dark Energon infusions gave him visions and the sounds of Unicron, which included images of a planet exploding. It simply made him seem delusional to everyone else, the visions never taken seriously. Given that Megatron was the first in a while to be anything approaching kind to him and helped him escape, Starsscream became fiercely loyal to the Decepticon leader. Megatron had Knock Out figure out a way to drain the extra Dark Energon out of Starscream, which was successful, if a painful process for Starscream to endure. Starscream wanted his spark's indestructibility removed, as immortality did not seem all that appealing to him in the long run. It became a hope; Megatron told Starscream it was possible, and when Starscream could stand it, Decepticon scientists had tried to figure out ways to remove Starscream's indestructibility. But Starscream steadily grew to gave up hope that his spark would ever be mortal, while Megatron persisted to believe it could happen.
The Decepticons worked to weaponize the Dark Energon draining process, to deal with the crazed reanimated Seekers/Terrorcons that had been released from the Omicron labs during Megatron and Starscream's escape. Starscream himself ended up draining his reanimated trine of their Dark Energon, effectively terminating them, 'killing' them a second time. Starscream's stability took another blow after that. The Terrorcons were gradually taken down during the war. Eventually Starscream mostly recovered, despite a set-back to his morale when Cliffjumper killed Jetfire during the war. Eventually Megatron made him Second-in-Command and convinced him to accept the role. And eventually the Exodus from Cybertron happened, and the Nemesis and Prime's crew ended up on Earth where they fought over Energon. And now the Decepticons tried to keep Earth's people from being completely dragged into their war. On Earth, Starscream finally avenged Jetfire by killing Cliffjumper. See here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starscream#Beast_Wars for full reference to the inspiration for the mutated and indestructible spark. Also http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Starscream_(Prime) for any other ref.
**Mortal spark: Can be killed, or die of old age. Spark equivalent to a human's heart. The spark can be physically harmed, and is one of if not the most fragile and critical part of Cybertronian anatomy. If the spark suffers enough physical trauma, it will flicker out and die.
Indestructible spark: Can withstand any physical trauma without dying. This does not mean the Cybertronian body it powers is granted a heightened healing factor. And if the mental processor or mind is taken out, if its connection to the indestructible spark is severed, it can still go on, but it can no longer control the body.
*Personality:
Similarities to the other Starscream:
This Starscream is a still a volatile personality.
He can switch from civility (though mostly genuine rather than falsified) to unbridled rage, to frantic panic, to stinging sarcasm, to an almost paralyzing fear, to ruthless action, to cunning manipulation, to rash impulsiveness, to determined fervor, to loud rebellion against authority, to reluctant or persuaded obedience, to snapping out his own orders all within his own nature, rarely sticking to any one emotional range for very long. He is still just rather emotional, finding it difficult to keep his composure all the time, though it's not completely out of his reach.
He's not entirely above manipulation or ruthless action. He can still act rashly and follow impulsive action. A crippling fear can still mess with his decision-making skills and general composure. His biting remarks and sarcasm are still present. He's still prone to violent rages. He still has a volatile temper. He still defies authority and questions it. He still has a connection with science. He still has a inclination toward avoiding serious conflict to an extent, in favor of talking his way out of a crisis. He still harbors, at the very least, that apparent preference for flight, rather than ground modes. He is still very talkative.
Differences from the other Starscream:
His motives and deepest nature provide a stark contrast. Starscream has a moral core and compassionate streak. Such traits were nurtured with the close bond he had with his trine and the relatively close relationship to his procreator; they were family, and supported each other, and Starscream's sensitivity and fond, protective regard to his family was able to expand to others in a general compassion for life. Such traits endured despite the experimentation and trauma he experienced; they were salvaged after Megatron rescued him and provided him with medical care, giving Starscream the first scrap of any sort of kindness he'd received in a long time, and encouraged him to retain his own--if only because it inspired great loyalty to Megatron, who bore his own particular moral code. Besides that, the experimentation and trauma also changed him, amplifying and lessening certain aspects of his character. Such as making him even more sensitive to the pain of others and actually increasing his compassion; though that same trauma also helped make him more ruthless to those he regards as particularly vile enemies, and more ruthless in safeguarding those he cares for/considers under his protection (i.e. he does not wish to lose/fail someone like he did with his trine). And that same trauma did contribute to his sense of fear and apprehension.
Fear more often makes him take action, since the thought of what will happen if he doesn't act frightens him more. But ultimately that fear and desire to talk his way out of conflict is pretty much pacifistic, rather than fear for his own safety--he'd rather talk his way out of a fight, distract, evade, or compromise and negotiate with an enemy, practically anything but actually cause someone physical harm, let alone kill them. It's more a fear of causing pain and death that freaks him out, rather than harm to his own person per se. That inclination was only amplified during the experiments, where it got to the point that hearing the pain and death of others was more distressing to Starscream than pain to his own person, which was something he actually grew more accustomed to. But that pacifism is a deep-seated desire overridden by
Starscream loves science. Nothing like exploration or new knowledge to brighten his day, though a good flight does the same, he loves flying. And he has a love for all sciences, the 'hard' ones and the 'soft' ones. He just generally loves learning new things, he's a very inquisitive creature. Starscream's pretty civil, friendly even, and can be helpful. He does have a sense of humor, even able to mock himself (though that can be self-deprecating). But that humor can mock others as well as himself. Again, quickest way to his good side is feeding his lust for new knowledge. He does have a deep sense of responsibility that can be triggered under the right circumstances, learning a more positive aspect of leadership than his counterpart. That tendency for responsibility has only been further honed while serving as Megatron's Second-In-Command. He knows his manners and employs them the most when trying to negotiate, but Starscream can be pretty volatile. The loyalty and all the revenge and ruthlessness connected to it speaks to him being pretty passionate, and those passions can get out of hand. He can be caustic and sarcastic and downright angry and lose his temper, even with his comrades. This volatile nature speaks to the fact that he is at the very least slightly unstable, or functionally dysfunctional. Starscream's been severely traumatized by the Protoform X experiments and the war that cost him his trinemates, guardian, home sector, Jetfire, a number of other friends and comrades and eventually his entire planet (though he knows much of that embodies his entire people, except for the experimentation). So he can lose his temper in spectacular ways, can act more conspicuously unhinged at times, will go without sleep to avoid nightmares which only messes even more with his head.
Starscream has less pride than his counterpart; he has some pride, in his flying skills at least. But he's rather more cognizant of his flaws, self-deprecating. He's cognizant of his self-loathing, too. Like his counterpart, he has a high level of determination to keep going, but he takes loss hard, perceiving that what was lost was his fault, i.e. the deaths of his trinemates, Jetfire, etc. But he's not about to really advertise his weaknesses to strangers per se (he'd only share them with close companions he could trust with spilling his metaphorical guts out to); he'd still try to cover them up, actually, not unlike how his counterpart tends to do. Besides the self-loathing, ultimate disregard for his own life stems from his indestructible spark--something like that messes with his head. For one, there's some depression over the thought that he'll probably outlive anyone he connects with, an almost eternal survivor's guilt ('probably' and 'almost' hinge on the possibility he can find others who are essentially immortal too, it's pretty certain that he'll won't die of old age and definitely not mortal attack). But also knowing his spark will survive the experience, his nature has grown more reckless (despite his Megatron ruthlessly training him not to rely so much on his indestructible spark). Starscream is very talkative and a motormouth, much of that stemming from his enthusiasm and eccentric, quirky social skills, but also anxiety. The more excited or panicked he is, Starscream tends to ramble on more. His social skills aren't perfect; they can be really good for negotiating at times, and then other times it's just rambling and awkwardness; sometimes he can be really observant, and other times he can be truly dense, the seriously absent-minded scientist. Ultimately he feels uncomfortable with leadership, but can do better than first perceived. Much of that discomfort stems from his trauma and guilt over his trinemates' death inspiring doubt in him and making him perhaps too cognizant of his flaws and weaknesses and general imperfection; even as a leader he could not save them, what could he really accomplish as one? Starscream failed in probably what he ended up wanting most, to protect his trine. If he couldn't do that, Starscream doubts he can lead successfully. Also, Starscream's training in his ruling lineage heritage was very specific--Starscream was trained to lead with his trine, in concert. To lead as three, not one. That training and instilled expectation further increases his doubt over his solo leadership skills. And it does even go to a spark level--trines are sparks generated simultaneously, it is just painful in every way imaginable to lose any trinemate, and the loss of that can still leave the survivor(s) very unbalanced. The responsibility of leadership is not his first choice, but loyalty to Megatron and the Decepticons spurred him to accept the Second-in-Command position (not unlike how loyalty to his procreator made him go along with leadership training rather than try rejecting it)
*Powers/Abilities:
Spark mutated to be indestructible, once affected by Dark Energon; now dampened to some extent after interdimensional travel, becoming a sturdier spark than most, but no longer indestructible, instead mortal.
Scientific ingenuity, skill and passion.
Really is a skilled flyer, especially in aerial combat.
Fair martial combat skills, but again not as good as his aerial combat prowess.
Speed makes up for lack of great physical force.
Leadership and negotiation skills. Strategist.
In bipedal form, his claws can sharpen; arms can transform into additional blasters; has pre-set rocket launchers on his arms that require no additional transformation after the shift from jet mode to bipedal mode. Accuracy in bipedal form is fair; accuracy in jet mode better.
*Inventory: nothing but himself
*Starting Polarity: not sure where to align for now (and it's all sorted by mods now, right?)
If AU, how does your character differ from canon?: This Starscream has his share of differences and similarities with his counterpart, and at first glance he can even be mistaken as pretty much the same. But there is a more open spark. He is kinder, more empathic, more responsible and caring. Likes to focus more on science. Generally the main differences include a kinder, more empathetic moral code and less ambition (if only because he's more uncertain and focuses more on his failings; though determination's the same). Though there are a few similarities, Starscream's history differs from canon too. Specifically his kidnapping vastly changes him. Under the weight of everything that happened at the Omicron labs, Starscream did break, his self-worth shattered and any ambition he had or could've had crippled by the varied amount of loss and torture he faced.
Writing Samples
*First Person Sample:
Attention fellow refugees. [sigh] I am well aware this is not the first 'missing persons' broadcast you've probably heard. [crosses his arms] I seek my leader, Lord Megatron. I need to know if he's here, injured or functioning, or...not. [pinches the area between his eyes--which snap open and his clawed hands fall back] I don't mean if he's dead! [His clawed hands flail around a bit.] I mean, it would be good, to know if he's...but only for closure's sake, but it's not like he could really--no, that very last part, I meant just if he's geographically here, not existentially.... [snarls, closes eyes, reopens them] Anyway, I seek my master. Lord Megatron is another Cybertronian, twice my height and width--probably more, not like I've ever exactly measured him--
[Starscream shakes himself, realizing he's rambling, tries to do it less and...doesn't exactly succeed....]
--anyway, he's very well built, and also a flyer model. His optics are a bold red, his helm like an Earthling gladiator's and much of his plating is sharp-edged. A cannon is mounted on his right arm, and his feet are cloven like an Earthling goat's...does everyone know what that is...or what an Earthling gladiator would look like...? [grumbles to himself, rolls his eyes] His feet end in two divided prongs. His helm closely frames his face. I believe his brow ridge is bigger than mine. [points to his brows] His voice is deep and gruff, if that helps. [inclines his head] Thank you for listening.
*Third Person Sample:
Starscream groaned, slowly opening his eyes. He stared up blankly at a sky that was strangely foreign and familiar at the same time. Then he bolted straight up, spark pounding.
"Megatron?" He called, twisting about, searching. "Soundwave? Knock Out? Breakdown? Airachnid? Anyone?"
The Seeker stood up, but in any direction around he found none of his comrades. He continued to scan his surroundings. The terrain was rocky, but no Jasper.
Anxiety growing, he transformed and flew off, already feeling slightly better with the rush of air and burst of speed. But his anxiety returned as he flew and still found no sign of his fellow Decepticons or real familiarity in the landscape. It was nothing like Earth or any other alien planets he'd been to, except maybe....
Starscream swore in his native tongue as he wildly swerved. Cybertron?! But that was impossible! He wasn't near any spacebridge when he lost consciousness, how could he have even...?
And the terrain still looked different. Where were the traces of civilization?
The Seeker tried his comm link. Didn't function at all. What the Pit was going on?
For a moment Starscream wondered if he was dreaming--but no, he was awake. He ran a self-diagnostic. Other than the disconcerting comm link glitch, he found no indication of foreign chemicals infecting his body, that could possibly cause delusion--something that would not be beyond Ratchet. (But stranding him on someplace like Cybertron did seem like something beyond even the mad Autobot scientist. So Ratchet was only left with the possibility of mind-altering chemicals. Fun.)
Finally, Starscream came across something that broke up the monotony of the terrain--a junkyard of nonsentient parts and probably a graveyard of formerly sentient parts. Starscream flew over the area first, trying to get an idea of its borders, how far it stretched. He circled over the junkyard once, twice, three times, before finally flying in low and transforming. Perhaps if he got a better look at ground level, he could find a better hint of where he was exactly.... And he needed to be at ground level to find any useful supplies.
On edge and ready for an ambush, either to fly away or attack with his blaster, Starscream searched the junkyard.
Final Notes: So it's mostly my Mirrorverse idea of TFP!Starscream, but some Beast Wars was mixed in with the mutated spark thing, and taking some inspiration from the canon SG!Starscream, and just trying to parallel/twist TFP canon.